Microsoft OneNote
An app that keeps typed notes, ink and voice in one binder.
What Microsoft OneNote does
Microsoft OneNote is a free note app that works like a digital binder. You can type, write with a pen, dictate or record, scan documents and share notes with others. It comes from Microsoft, so it fits well if you already use Word, Outlook or Teams. Microsoft 365 subscriptions are sold inside the app.
OneNote is less a notepad and more a binder. You can drop typed text, handwriting, photos and scans anywhere on a page, then tag items as to-dos, important or follow-ups so you can find them again.
On iPad it supports digital ink, so you can sketch or handwrite next to typed notes. Voice is a strong point too: tap the mic to dictate or record, and it transcribes with punctuation in many languages. A built-in scanner pulls text out of photos of documents and whiteboards. Newer Copilot tools can summarize classes and meetings and answer questions about your notes.
It is free to download and use, which makes it easy for students and teams to try. The flip side is that it can feel busy, and pure handwriting apps give you a more paper-like feel. If you live in Microsoft tools, it's an easy pick. If you mainly want to handwrite on an iPad, a dedicated notebook app may feel nicer.
Alternatives to Microsoft OneNote
Who it's for
Skip it if: People who want a clean, paper-like handwriting app.
Pricing
Free planOneNote is free to download and use. Microsoft sells Microsoft 365 subscriptions inside the app, and some extras may need one, but the App Store listing does not spell out which.
Prices can vary by country. Checked 15 Oct 2026.
What people like
- Free to download and use
- Mixes typing, handwriting, voice and scans on one page
- Easy sharing for group work
- Strong dictation in many languages
Watch out for
- Can feel cluttered compared to simpler note apps
- Unclear which AI features need a paid Microsoft 365 plan
- Handwriting feels less natural than in dedicated iPad apps
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Questions people ask
Is OneNote free?
Yes. OneNote is free to download and use. Microsoft 365 subscriptions are offered in the app for extras.
Can I handwrite in OneNote on iPad?
Yes. It supports digital ink, so you can write or sketch next to typed notes.
Does OneNote record audio?
Yes. You can dictate or record with the mic button, and it transcribes in many languages.
Is OneNote good for students?
It's a solid free pick, especially if your school uses Microsoft tools. Handwriting-first apps feel more like paper.